Chapter 8 — INDIRECT WASTES

(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.

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CHAPTER 8

INDIRECT WASTES

design, and installation of indirect waste piping, receptors, and connections; and provisions for discharge and disposal of condensate wastes, chemical wastes, industrial wastes, and clear water wastes.

Indirect waste piping shall discharge into the building drainage system through an air gap or air break as set forth in this code. Where a drainage air gap is required by this code, the minimum vertical distance as measured from the lowest point of the indirect waste pipe or the fixture outlet to the flood-level rim of the receptor shall be not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm).

Establishments engaged in the storage, preparation, selling, serving, processing, or other handling of food and beverage involving the following equipment that requires drainage shall provide indirect waste piping for refrigerators, refrigeration coils, freezers, walk-in coolers, iceboxes, ice-making machines, steam tables, egg boilers, coffee urns and brewers, hot-and-cold drink dispensers, and similar equipment. 801.3.1 Size of Indirect Waste Pipes. Except for refrigeration coils and ice-making machines, the size of the indirect waste pipe shall be not smaller than the drain on the unit, but shall be not smaller than 1 inch (25 mm), and the maximum developed length shall not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm). Indirect waste pipe for ice-making machines shall be not less than the drain on the unit and in no case less than [3] ⁄ 4 of an inch (20 mm). 801.3.2 Walk-In Coolers. For walk-in coolers, floor drains shall be permitted to be connected to a separate drainage line discharging into an outside receptor. The flood-level rim of the receptor shall be not less than 6 inches (152 mm) lower than the lowest floor drain. Such floor drains shall be trapped and individually vented. Cleanouts shall be provided at 90 degree (1.57 rad) turns and shall be accessibly located. Such waste shall discharge through an air gap or air break into a trapped and vented receptor, except that a full-size air gap is required where the indirect waste pipe is under vacuum. 801.3.3 Food-Handling Fixtures. Food-preparation sinks, steam kettles, potato peelers, ice cream dipper wells, and similar equipment shall be indirectly connected to the drainage system by means of an air gap. Bins, sinks, and other equipment having drainage connections and used for the storage of unpackaged ice used for human ingestion, or used in direct contact with ready-to-eat food, shall be indirectly connected to the drainage system by means of an air gap. Each indirect waste pipe from foodhandling fixtures or equipment shall be separately piped to the indirect waste receptor and shall not combine with other indirect waste pipes. The piping from the equipment to the receptor shall be not less than the drain on the unit and in no case less than [1] ⁄ 2 of an inch (15 mm).

bar, soda fountain, or counter is so located that the trap serving the sink cannot be vented, the sink drain shall discharge through an air gap or air break (see Section 801.3.3) into an approved receptor that is vented. The developed length from the fixture outlet to the receptor shall not exceed 5 feet (1524 mm).

Indirect waste connections shall be provided for drains, overflows, or relief pipes from potable water pressure tanks, water heaters, boilers, and similar equipment that is connected to the potable water distribution system. Such indirect waste connections shall be made using a water-distribution air gap constructed in accordance with Table 603.3.1.

sterilizers, and similar equipment requiring waste connections and used for sterile materials shall be indirectly connected using an air gap. Each such indirect waste pipe shall be separately piped to the receptor and shall not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm). Such receptors shall be located in the same room.

apparatus not regularly classified as plumbing fixtures, but which have a drip or drainage outlets, shall be permitted to be drained by indirect waste pipes discharging into an open receptor through either an air gap or air break (see Section 801.3.1).

waste pipes or receiving discharge therefrom shall be installed until first approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

waste shall be of such materials and design as to perform their intended function to the satisfaction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Joints and connections in copper and copper alloy pipe and tube shall be installed in accordance with Section 705.3.

Except as hereinafter provided, the size of indirect waste piping shall be in accordance with other sections of this code applicable to drainage and vent piping. No vent from indirect waste piping shall combine with a sewer-connected vent. Vents from indirect waste piping shall extend separately to the outside air. Indirect waste pipes exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm), but less than 15 feet (4572 mm) in length shall be directly trapped, but such traps need not be vented.

Indirect waste pipes less than 15 feet (4572 mm) in length shall be not less than the diameter of the drain outlet or

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INDIRECT WASTES

tailpiece of the fixture, appliance, or equipment served, and in no case less than [1] ⁄ 2 of an inch (15 mm). Angles and changes of direction in such indirect waste pipes shall be provided with cleanouts to permit flushing and cleaning.

receptors receiving the discharge of indirect waste pipes shall be approved for the use proposed and shall be of such shape and capacity as to prevent splashing or flooding and shall be located where they are readily accessible for inspection and cleaning. No standpipe receptor for a clothes washer shall extend more than 30 inches (762 mm), or not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above its trap weir. No trap for a clothes washer standpipe receptor shall be installed below the floor, but shall be roughed in not less than 6 inches (152 mm) and not more than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor. No indirect waste receptor shall be installed in a toilet room, closet, cupboard, or storeroom, or in a portion of a building not in general use by the occupants thereof; except standpipes for clothes washers shall be permitted to be installed in toilet and bathroom areas where the clothes washer is installed in the

same room.

for drains, overflows, or relief vents from the water supply system, and no piping or equipment carrying wastes or producing wastes or other discharges under pressure shall be directly connected to a part of the drainage system.

The preceding shall not apply to an approved sump pump or to an approved pressure-wasting plumbing fixture or device where the Authority Having Jurisdiction has been satisfied that the drainage system is adequately sized to accommodate the anticipated discharge thereof.

stills, sterilizers, and similar equipment requiring water and waste and used for sterile materials shall be drained through an air gap.

machines, silverware washing machines, and other appliances, devices, equipment, or other apparatus not regularly classed as plumbing fixtures, which are equipped with pumps, drips, or drainage outlets, shall be permitted to be drained by indirect waste pipes discharging through an air break into an approved type of open receptor.

condensate waste from a fuel-burning condensing appliance is discharged into the drainage system, the material in the drainage system shall be cast-iron, galvanized iron, plastic, or other materials approved for this use.

Exceptions:

(1) Where the above condensate is discharged to an exposed fixture tailpiece and trap, such tailpiece and trap shall be permitted to be a copper alloy.

(2) Materials approved in Section 701.0 shall be permitted to be used where data is provided that the condensate waste is adequately diluted.

dishwashing machine shall be directly connected to a drainage system or food waste disposer without the use of an approved dishwasher air gap fitting on the discharge side of the dishwashing machine. Listed dishwasher air gap fittings shall be installed with the flood-level (FL) marking at or above the flood level of the sink or drainboard, whichever is higher.

Jurisdiction, clean running water used exclusively as a cooling medium in an appliance, device, or apparatus shall be permitted to discharge into the drainage system through the inlet side of a fixture trap in the event that a suitable fixture is not available to receive such discharge. Such trap connection shall be by means of a pipe connected to the inlet side of an approved fixture trap, the upper end terminating in a funnelshaped receptacle set adjacent, and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the overflow rim of the fixture.

installed with indirect wastes through an air break.

and Sumps.

be directly connected to plumbing or drainage system, nor shall water having a temperature above 140°F (60°C) be discharged under pressure directly into a drainage system. Pipes from boilers shall discharge by means of indirect waste piping as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or the boiler manufacturer’s recommendations. Such pipes shall be permitted to be indirectly connected by discharging into an open or closed condenser or an intercepting sump of an approved type that will prevent the entrance of steam or such water under pressure into the drainage system. Closed condensers or sumps shall be provided with a vent that shall be taken off the top and extended separately, full size above the roof. Condensers and sumps shall be properly trapped at the outlet with a deep seal trap extending to within 6 inches (152 mm) of the bottom of the tank. The top of the deep seal trap shall have a [3] ⁄ 4 of an inch (19.1 mm) opening located at the highest point of the trap to serve as a siphon breaker. Outlets shall be taken off from the side in such a manner as to allow

a waterline to be maintained that will permanently occupy not

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INDIRECT WASTES

less than one-half the capacity of the condenser or sump. Inlets shall enter above the waterline. Wearing plates or baffles shall be installed in the tank to protect the shell. The sizes of the blowoff line inlet, the water outlets, and the vent shall be as shown in Table 810.1. The contents of condensers

receiving steam or hot water under pressure shall pass through an open sump before entering the drainage system.

TABLE 810.1

PIPE CONNECTIONS IN BLOWOFF

CONDENSERS AND SUMPS (inches)

For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm

• To be used only with boilers of 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) of heating surface or less.

Sumps, condensers, or intercepting tanks that are constructed of concrete shall have walls and bottom, not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in thickness, and the inside shall be cement plastered not less than [1] ⁄ 2 of an inch (12.7 mm) in thickness. Condensers constructed of metal shall be not less than No. 12 U.S. standard gauge (0.109 inch) (2.77 mm), and such metal condensers shall be protected from external corrosion by an approved bituminous coating.

with suitable means of access for cleaning and shall contain a volume of not less than twice the volume of water removed

from the boiler or boilers connected to it where the normal

water level of such boiler or boilers is reduced not less than 4 inches (102 mm).

discharge-containing particles that would clog the receptor drain shall have a readily removable beehive strainer.

that are likely to damage or increase maintenance costs on the sanitary sewer system, detrimentally affect sewage treatment or contaminate surface or subsurface waters shall be pretreated to render them innocuous before discharge into a drainage system. Detailed construction documents of the pretreatment facilities shall be required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Piping conveying industrial, chemical, or process wastes from their point of origin to sewer-connected pretreatment facilities shall be of such material and design as to adequately perform its intended function to the satisfaction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Drainage discharge piping from pre

treatment facilities or interceptors shall be in accordance with standard drainage installation procedures.

Copper or copper alloy tube shall not be used for chemical or industrial wastes as defined in this section.

intended to receive the discharge of a fixture into which acid or corrosive chemical is placed, and each vent pipe connected thereto, shall be constructed of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), chemical-resistant glass, high-silicon iron pipe, or lead pipe with a wall thickness of not less than [1] ⁄ 8 of an inch (3.2 mm); an approved type of ceramic glazed or unglazed vitrified clay; or other approved corrosion-resistant materials. CPVC pipe and fittings shall comply with ASTM F2618. PP pipe and fittings shall comply with ASTM F1412 or CSA B181.3. PVDF pipe and fittings shall comply with ASTM F1673 or CSA B181.3. Chemical-resistant glass pipe and fittings shall comply with ASTM C1053. High-silicon iron pipe and fittings shall comply with ASTM A861.

approved type and quality.

Where practicable, the piping shall be readily accessible and installed with the maximum of clearance from other services.

a permanent record of the location of piping and venting carrying chemical waste.

vents for other services.

manner approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

about materials and methods of construction shall not apply to installations such as photographic or x-ray darkrooms or research or control laboratories where minor amounts of ade quately diluted chemicals are discharged.

Water lifts, expansion tanks, cooling jackets, sprinkler systems, drip or overflow pans, or similar devices that discharge clear wastewater into the building drainage system shall discharge through an indirect waste.

or wading pools, including pool drainage and backwash from filters, shall be installed as an indirect waste. Where a pump is used to discharge pool waste water to the drainage system, the pump discharge shall be installed as an indirect waste.

Condensate from air washers, air-cooling coils, condensing appliances, and the over

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INDIRECT WASTES

flow from evaporative coolers and similar water-supplied equipment or similar air-conditioning equipment shall be collected and discharged to an approved plumbing fixture or disposal area. Where discharged into the drainage system, equipment shall drain using an indirect waste pipe. The waste pipe shall have a slope of not less than [1] ⁄ 8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) or 1 percent slope and shall be of an approved corrosion-resistant material not smaller than the outlet size in

accordance with Section 814.3 or Section 814.4 for air-cooling coils or condensing appliances, respectively. Condensate or wastewater shall not drain over a public way.

814.1.1 Condensate Pumps. Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, condensate pumps shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instal lation instructions. Pump discharge shall rise vertically to a point where it is possible to connect to a gravity condensate drain and discharged to an approved disposal point. Each condensing unit shall be provided with a separate sump and interlocked with the equipment to prevent the equipment from operating during a failure. Separate pumps shall be permitted to connect to a single gravity indirect waste where equipped with check valves and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

appliance is installed in a space where damage is capable of resulting from condensate overflow, a drain line shall be provided and shall be drained in accordance with Section 814.1.

An additional protection method for condensate overflow shall be provided in accordance with one of the following:

(1) A water level detecting device that will shut off the equipment or appliance in the event the primary drain is blocked. Such detecting device shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

(2) An additional watertight pan of corrosion-resistant material, with a separate drain line, installed beneath the cooling coil, unit, or the appliance to catch the overflow condensate due to a clogged primary condensate drain.

(3) An additional separate drain line at a level that is higher than the primary drain line connection of the drain pan.

(4) An additional watertight pan of corrosion-resistant material with a water level detection device installed beneath

the cooling coil, unit, or the appliance to catch the overflow condensate due to a clogged primary condensate drain and to shut off the equipment.

The additional pan or the additional drain line connection shall be provided with a drainpipe of not less than [3] ⁄ 4 of an inch (20 mm) nominal pipe size, discharging at a point that is readily observed.

814.2.1 Protection of Appurtenances. Where insulation or appurtenances are installed where damage is capable of resulting from a condensate drain pan overfill, such installations shall occur above the rim of the drain

pan with supports. Where the supports are in contact with the condensate waste, the supports shall be of approved corrosion-resistant material.

Condensate waste pipes from air-cooling coils shall be sized in accordance with the equipment capacity as specified in Table 814.3. The material of the piping shall comply with the pressure and temperature rating of the appliance or equipment and shall be approved for use with the liquid being discharged.

TABLE 814.3

MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE SIZE

For SI units: 1 ton of refrigerant = 3.52 kW, 1 inch = 25 mm

The size of condensate waste pipes is for one unit or a combination of units, or as recommended by the manufacturer. The capacity of waste pipes assumes a [1] ⁄ 8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) or 1 percent slope, with the pipe running threequarters full at the following pipe conditions:

For SI units: °C = (°F-32)/1.8

Condensate drain sizing for other slopes or other conditions shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Air-conditioning waste pipes, 1¼ of an inch (32 mm) and larger in size, shall be constructed of materials specified in Chapter 7. Condensate waste piping less than 1¼ of an inch (32 mm) in size shall be permitted to be PVC, CPVC, PE, PP, copper, or other rigid materials approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

814.3.1 Cleanouts. Condensate drain lines shall be configured or provided with a cleanout to permit the clearing of blockages and for maintenance without requiring the drain line to be cut.

lines from individual condensing appliances shall be sized as required by the manufacturer’s instructions. Condensate drain lines serving more than one appliance connecting to a common indirect waste pipe shall have the connections to the indirect waste pipe protected by a sanitary waste valve complying with ASME A112.18.8, condensate trap complying with IAPMO IGC 196, or trap with a trap primer.

waste pipes shall connect indirectly to the drainage system through an air gap or air break to trapped and vented receptors, dry wells, mop sinks, leach pits, or the tailpiece of plumbing fixtures. An individual condensate drain shall be trapped in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions or in accordance with Section 814.4.

TABLE 814.3

MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE SIZE

For SI units: 1 ton of refrigerant = 3.52 kW, 1 inch = 25 mm

For SI units: °C = (°F-32)/1.8

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INDIRECT WASTES

Coils. Where the condensate waste from air-conditioning coils discharges by direct connection to a lavatory tailpiece or to an approved accessible inlet on a bathtub overflow, the connection shall be located in the area controlled by the same person controlling the air-conditioned space.

be used with male plastic fittings and plastic threads.

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CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE